Cleveland High Girls Wrestling 2025 Season Recap: Building a Legacy of Excellence
The 2025 winter season was a landmark year for the Cleveland High School Girls Wrestling program, marked by outstanding individual performances, team triumphs, and the continued growth of a once-small program into a state and national contender. Head Coach Mac Borrego, now in his leadership role for several years, guided the team through a season filled with highs and challenges, culminating in historic achievements that have set a new standard for girls wrestling in New Mexico.
Key Contributors: The Pillars of the Team
Coach Borrego highlighted the critical role played by a strong core of seniors and juniors who have been instrumental in building the program’s success over multiple years. Senior leaders Alexis Birner, Ashley Smith, and Jianna Coon have wrestled for Cleveland since their 8th-grade year, providing consistent scoring in every tournament and dual meet this season. Their experience and resilience on the mat proved invaluable, helping the team stay competitive in every match.
Among the juniors, standout wrestler Eloise Woolsey commands attention. A three-time state champion—twice in Hawaii and once in New Mexico—and currently ranked #16 nationally at 155 pounds, Eloise’s elite skill level was on full display this season. Her 5th-place finish at the U17 World Team Trials highlighted her as one of the top young wrestlers in the country. Alongside Eloise is Heaven Guevara, a four-time state placer with finishes including two state championships. This dynamic duo has been a cornerstone of the team’s dominance.
Adding to the depth was freshman Miranda Stewart Hess Jr., who made an immediate impact by finishing runner-up in her weight class—a remarkable feat for a first-year varsity athlete.
Season Highlights: Historic Achievements and Team Milestones
Reflecting on the season, Coach Borrego expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments and culture. Despite the inevitable challenges every season brings, the team maintained a positive and resilient mindset throughout.
One of the season’s crowning achievements was becoming the first girls wrestling program in New Mexico to be nationally ranked by USA Wrestling, starting the year ranked #48 in January and climbing to #44 by April. This recognition was a testament not only to the athletes’ talent but also to the program’s upward trajectory.
Two wrestlers, Ashley Smith and Heaven Guevara, joined the prestigious “100 career win club,” a milestone that underscores their dedication and consistency over the years. The team also claimed multiple titles, including district duals, regionals, and a repeat as state champions.
In addition to these accolades, Eloise Woolsey’s international success at the World Team Trials in Spokane, Washington, and the team’s victory at the “Conflict @ Cleveland” tournament—which featured 65 teams from five states—highlighted the program’s growing reputation beyond state lines.
Defining Moments: Putting Cleveland on the National Map
One pivotal moment was the team’s strong performance at the KC Stampede in Kansas City, where they placed 7th out of 61 teams from 11 states. Competing against nationally ranked opponents, this showing proved Cleveland could hold its own on a larger stage and likely contributed to their subsequent USA Wrestling national rankings.
Beyond single tournaments, the team’s ability to consistently place highly in every competition solidified their status as a dominant force and a program on the rise.
Emerging Stars and Growing Roles
The season also featured promising contributions from younger wrestlers who are setting the stage for the future. Mireya Batres, Audrey Layman, and Bailey Hayes—though not always in the varsity lineup—set examples through their hard work and competitive spirit.
Coach Borrego praised a strong junior class comprising Isabella Borrego, Lillian Barr, Eloise Woolsey, Eva Reeves, Heaven Guevara, Itzy Yanes, and Kapri Bengston. This group has embraced the program’s expectations and is preparing to carry the torch as the seniors graduate, ensuring continuity and sustained success.
Overcoming Adversity: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Wrestling is a physically and mentally demanding sport, and the team faced its share of injuries, tough losses, and pressure situations. Coach Borrego noted that the girls excelled in managing these challenges. Mental resilience was emphasized through mindset coaching and support from training staff and team doctors.
The athletes’ ability to control emotions and push through difficulties was a defining characteristic of the team’s culture, fostering growth both on and off the mat.
The Senior Class: Foundations of Leadership and Culture
This senior group was particularly special to the program. Several seniors had been with the team for four to five years, growing alongside the program since its early days. One senior even committed to continue her wrestling career at Adams State University, showcasing the level of talent and ambition developed at Cleveland.
Coach Borrego recalled a moment four years ago when he sat down with just six or seven girls and discussed their collective goals. These seniors stayed true to those goals, persevered through ups and downs, and not only achieved success but also established a lasting culture of hard work, leadership, and unity.
Looking Ahead: Bright Future and Exciting Growth
With a majority of team points coming back next season from state tournament finishes, the future looks bright. The prospect of expanded weight classes—from 12 to 14—will provide more opportunities for athletes to compete and contribute.
Coach Borrego emphasized the importance of individualized goal-setting and quality time spent developing each wrestler’s skills and mindset. The program has grown significantly—from 8 girls three years ago to over 30 now—signaling rapid expansion and enthusiasm for girls wrestling at Cleveland.
Offseason Focus: Preparing for National Competition and Skill Development
The offseason will concentrate on freestyle wrestling training, preparing athletes for prestigious events such as the 16U and Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota. Some wrestlers will attend these national competitions, while the rest of the team continues cross-training and individual skill work.
Coach Borrego views this period as an essential mental reset from the academic pressures of school, allowing athletes to focus on wrestling and personal character development.
Follow the Team’s Journey
For fans and supporters looking to track Cleveland’s girls wrestling stats and accomplishments, detailed information can be found on Trackwrestling through event listings. The team’s history, records, and tournament results are also accessible via their program website:
https://sites.google.com/rrps.net/clevelandwrestling/history-records?authuser=0
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
The 2025 season for Cleveland High School Girls Wrestling was much more than a series of matches—it was a milestone year in the program’s evolution. With dedicated seniors who built a culture of excellence, rising stars eager to step into leadership roles, and a coaching staff committed to growth and development, the program has cemented itself as a powerhouse in New Mexico and on the national stage.
Coach Mac Borrego’s team exemplified resilience, skill, and teamwork, laying a strong foundation for continued success. As girls wrestling continues to grow statewide and nationwide, Cleveland’s program stands ready to lead the charge, inspiring the next generation of wrestlers to chase their dreams on the mat.
The future is bright in Cleveland, and the journey has only just begun.
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